Asteraceae

07.3877.a False Jerusalem Artichoke Flower

What are the differences between Jerusalem artichoke, dog Jerusalem artichoke, and false Jerusalem artichoke? An explanation of how to distinguish between similar species.

Jerusalem artichoke, Helianthus tuberosus, and false Jerusalem artichoke all belong to the Asteraceae family. They share characteristics such as erect stems, scales on the receptacle, and yellow ray florets, but their overall appearance is so lacking in distinct features that they could be described as "The Asteraceae." Distinguishing between them is difficult if you only focus on the flower heads...

2026.07.19

plant

What are the differences between Koyabouki, Nagabano Koyabouki, and Kashiwaba Haguma? An explanation of how to distinguish between similar species.

*Aster tataricus*, *Aster tataricus*, and *Aster savatieri* all belong to the genus *Aster* in the Asteraceae family. A key distinguishing feature within the vast Asteraceae family is that the central tubular florets of the flower head have a two-lipped corolla. They are commonly found in forests. However, the flower heads of the three species are similar...

2026.07.17

plant

What are the differences between Japanese pokeweed (Phytolacca americana), American pokeweed (Phytolacca americana var. japonica), and round pokeweed (Phytolacca americana var. japonica)? How do they differ from burdock (Phytolacca americana)? We'll explain how to distinguish between similar species! Even though it's highly poisonous to humans, birds are unaffected!?

Japanese pokeweed (Phytolacca americana), American pokeweed (Phytolacca oleracea), and round pokeweed (Phytolacca oleracea) all belong to the Phytolaccaceae family and genus Phytolacca. Their names come from the fact that their fleshy, thick roots resemble those of burdock (Philadelphia arvensis), and they are characterized by their entirely poisonous nature and dark purple berries. However, the three species are often confused...

2026.07.11

plant

What are the differences between mugwort, wormwood (Artemisia princeps), bitter wormwood, and male wormwood? We'll explain how to distinguish between similar species! Did you know that mugwort is used not only in rice cakes but also in moxibustion and medicine?

Artemisia princeps, Artemisia japonica, Artemisia urticaria, and Artemisia japonica are all members of the Artemisia genus in the Asteraceae family, and are extremely common perennial herbs that dominate small vacant lots from urban areas to mountainous fields. In addition to having a cottony, fluffy underside to its leaves, it belongs to the Asteraceae family...

2026.04.10

plant

What's the difference between Tenningiku and Otenningiku? We'll explain how to distinguish between these similar species! Actually, telling them apart is quite difficult...?

Both *Lysimachia japonica* and *Lysimachia japonica* are herbaceous plants belonging to the genus *Lysimachia* in the Asteraceae family. They are characterized by their spherical or convex receptacle and the bicolored ray florets. Due to their beautiful colors, they are sometimes cultivated for ornamental or landscaping purposes...

2025.05.01

plant

What are the differences between Menamomi, Komenamomi, and Onamomi? We explain how to distinguish between similar species! The mucus-secreting bracts are for sticking to animals!?

Both *Menamomi* and *Komenamomi* belong to the genus *Menamomi* in the Asteraceae family. Their most distinctive features are their small, yellow ray florets and the presence of stalked glandular hairs on their involucral bracts. While not particularly common, both species grow in open areas, and *Menamomi* in particular was historically used by the Japanese as a fermented food. However...

2025.02.25

plant

What are the differences between butterbur, leopard plant, and large leopard plant? An explanation of how to distinguish between similar species.

Butterbur, Farfugium japonicum, and Large-leaved Farfugium all belong to the Asteraceae family, and are very similar in that they have heart-shaped to kidney-shaped leaves, and are also edible. Because both have been used in Japan since ancient times, some people may confuse them.

2024.04.24

plant

What are the differences between Japanese kerria and white kerria? How do they differ from butterbur and Hypericum patulum? This article explains how to distinguish between similar species.

Both Japanese kerria (Yamabuki) and white kerria (Shiroyamabuki) belong to the Rosaceae family, Rosioideae subfamily. They grow wild and are also cultivated for ornamental purposes, making them trees that signal the arrival of spring. However, some people mistakenly believe that white kerria is simply "Japanese kerria with white petals"...

2024.04.23

plant

What are the differences between Senecio japonica, Senecio crassipes, and Senecio stolonifera? An explanation of how to distinguish between similar species.

Senecio vulgaris, Senecio rupestris, and Senecio rupestris all belong to the Senecio tribe (or Senecio tribe) of the Asteraceae family and are introduced weeds with the name "borogiku" (ragwort). A key characteristic is that their flower heads (capitulum) are composed solely of tubular florets. These three species have similar names...

2024.04.13

plant

What are the differences between Lamium amplexicaule, Lamium purpureum, and Lamium album? How do they differ from Lamium album? We'll explain how to distinguish between similar species! Why are the fruits carried by ants?

Lamium amplexicaule, Lamium purpureum, and Lamium purpureum are all herbaceous plants belonging to the genus Lamium in the Lamiaceae family. Lamium amplexicaule and Lamium purpureum are particularly well-known as spring weeds, but some people may have trouble distinguishing between the three species. These three species are relatively easy to identify, and their leaves alone...

2024.03.09

plant

Asteraceae

What are the differences between Jerusalem artichoke, dog Jerusalem artichoke, and false Jerusalem artichoke? An explanation of how to distinguish between similar species.

What are the differences between *Koyabouki*, *Nagabano Koyabouki*, and *Kashiwaba Haguma*? An explanation of how to distinguish between similar species.

What are the differences between mugwort, wormwood (Artemisia princeps), bitter wormwood, and male wormwood? We'll explain how to distinguish between similar species! Did you know that mugwort is used not only in rice cakes but also in moxibustion and medicine?

What's the difference between *Tenningiku* and *Otenningiku*? We'll explain how to distinguish between these similar species! Actually, telling them apart is quite difficult...?

What are the differences between Menamomi, Komenamomi, and Onamomi? We explain how to distinguish between similar species! The mucus-secreting bracts are for sticking to animals!?

What are the differences between butterbur, leopard plant, and large leopard plant? An explanation of how to distinguish between similar species.

What are the differences between Japanese kerria and white kerria? How do they differ from butterbur and Hypericum patulum? This article explains how to distinguish between similar species.

What are the differences between *Senecio japonica*, *Senecio crassipes*, and *Senecio stolonifera*? An explanation of how to distinguish between similar species.

What are the differences between Lamium amplexicaule, Lamium purpureum, and Lamium album? How do they differ from Lamium album? We'll explain how to distinguish between similar species! Why are the fruits carried by ants?

What are the differences between Koyabouki, Nagabano Koyabouki, and Kashiwaba Haguma? An explanation of how to distinguish between similar species.

What's the difference between Tenningiku and Otenningiku? We'll explain how to distinguish between these similar species! Actually, telling them apart is quite difficult...?

What are the differences between Senecio japonica, Senecio crassipes, and Senecio stolonifera? An explanation of how to distinguish between similar species.